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SMALL STATE, BIG PERSONALITY: NEW HAMPSHIRE'S GREATEST HITS BY DARLENE DONLOE Nestled in New England, New Hampshire embodies the great outdoors. From the majestic White Mountains to the tranquil Lakes Region, the Granite State is a nature lover's paradise. Hike Mount Washington, the Northeast's highest peak, or paddle crys- tal-clear Lake Winnipesaukee. But its charm goes beyond nature. Cities like Nashua and Manchester blend urban energy with a small-town feel, offering bou- tique shops, farm-to-table eateries, and his- toric sites like the Currier Museum of Art. In fall, kaleidoscope foliage draws leaf peepers nationwide. Whether you want adventure, relaxation, or Yankee culture, New Hampshire leaves you refreshed and inspired. MANCHESTER In Manchester, New Hampshire, the mills are quiet now, but the city's creative pulse is louder than ever. Once the 'Queen City' of textile production, this gritty working-class town on New Hampshire's Merrimack River has remade itself into a hub of urban sur- prise — history, art, brews, and adventure packed into every corner. (Manchester is just 20 miles from Massachusetts and 58 miles from Boston.) Fun things to do include a visit to the Zimmerman House, a historic attraction that is the only residence in New England designed by acclaimed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. There is also Livin- gston Park, Lake Massabesic, and the Palace Theatre. There are also food tours, sightseeing harbor cruises, and any num- ber of walking tours. Wander the revitalized millyard district, where old brick buildings now house breweries, galleries, and restaurants, and the Merrimack River flows strong. The Amoskeag Millyard, a relic of textile glory, now pulses with life: The Millyard Museum digs into 11,000 years of local story, while the Currier Museum of Art flaunts heavy-hitters like Picasso and O'Keeffe. There are several large arenas in the area, including the state-of-the-art Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion, which has a capacity of 23,5000, and the SNHU Arena (Southern New Hampshire University), which seats 10,000-11,000 for concerts, sports, and other events. For meetings, the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown, located in the heart of the city, has 58,317 sq. ft. of meet- ing space, 16 meeting rooms, 248 guest rooms, and is located directly across from SNHU, while the Falls Event Center has 7,000 sq. ft. of space and five private rooms. The Hilton Garden Inn event center, which has 125 guest rooms, offers 1,728 sq. ft. of meeting space and three meeting rooms. The Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is minutes from downtown Manchester. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce – (603) 792-4100 manchesterchamber.org NASHUA Nashua, New Hampshire's second- largest city, punches above its weight. With over 85,000 residents, it straddles the Merrimack and Nashua Rivers, offering a unique blend of urban charm and natural beauty. Just 45 minutes from Boston and an hour from the coast, Nashua's location is a major draw. The city's diverse neighbor- hoods mix compact downtown areas, his- toric mill districts, and suburban pockets. Nashua's arts community, with a variety of galleries, casinos, breweries, theaters, and music venues, hosts an international sculpture symposium that draws artists and visitors from around the world. Nashua has meetings and events cov- ered. The Event Center boasts 14,000 sq. ft. of flexible space, and the city's hotels pro- vide over 1,200 sleeping rooms and 47 meeting rooms. Top venues include the Sheraton Nashua, with 21,692 sq. ft. of event space, and Courtyard by Marriott Nashua with 736 sq. ft. of total event space. Airports near Nashua include Manche- ster-Boston Regional (15 miles), Boston Logan International (45 miles), and Nashua Municipal Airport (Boire Field). WHO YOU GONNA CALL? The Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce (603) 881-8333. Nashuachamber.com B M & T ••• July/August 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 52 NEW HAMPSHIRE AREA GUIDES DoubleTree by Hilton, Manchester Downtown